Pence-Backed Group Pushes GOP to Reject RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary
An organization founded by former Vice President Mike Pence is urging Republican senators to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President Donald Trump. Pence opposes RFK Jr. due to his past support for abortion.
Advancing American Freedom, led by Pence allies Tim Chapman and Marc Short, warned in a letter to senators that an HHS Secretary must be firmly pro-life. “While RFK Jr. has made overtures to pro-life leaders, there is little reason for confidence at this time,” they wrote.
This marks Pence’s second effort to block Kennedy’s confirmation. After Trump’s announcement, Pence immediately called on senators to reject him, citing RFK Jr.’s inconsistent abortion stance.
Kennedy, who initially ran for president as a Democrat, once endorsed banning abortion after the first trimester but later reversed his stance. His campaign website states he supports restoring Roe v. Wade protections. Despite this, GOP senators remain largely supportive of his nomination, with Kennedy reassuring them he will uphold Trump’s anti-abortion policies.
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance sent a strong message to Republican senators considering opposition to Trump’s nominees for key agencies. Speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Vance insisted, “You don’t get to make these decisions. President Trump does.”
The Senate is set to confirm Kash Patel as FBI director and Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, both seen as controversial picks alongside RFK Jr. Vance argued that Trump’s mandate includes appointing fresh voices, stating, “We have to give parts of the coalition some wins. Traditional Republicans are in the administration, but we also need new perspectives.”
Despite opposition from some conservatives, Vance expressed confidence all three nominees will be confirmed, though he acknowledged it will require a fight.
